Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Wednesday led the signing of the 2024–2025 Performance Contracts with state agencies under his ministry.
According to the CS, the performance contracts seek to prioritise flagship programmes geared towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The ceremony took place at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, following a similar signing between Cabinet Secretaries and President William Ruto late last year.
Principal Secretaries Mary Muthoni (Public Health) and Harry Kimtai (Medical Services) led senior ministry officials, including board chairpersons and CEOs of more than 15 State agencies.
CS Duale said: “Performance contracting is a vital tool for assessing efficiency and accountability in the public sector. We must change the way we do things. The culture of lethargy and spending too much time in meetings must end.”
The Cabinet Secretary, who took the reins at the ministry two weeks ago, added: “We are at a critical juncture in the health sector. The expectations placed upon us by His Excellency the President and the people of Kenya are high.”
He also reprimanded heads of agencies who failed to attend the signing, insisting that they must explain their absence.
“This is a very serious exercise. I need a proper explanation, not in the form of an SMS the way some officers are used to,” he stated.
On the sidelines of the event, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) Chairman Omondi Anyanga stressed the need for public service delivery that prioritises national interests.
“At the nuclear regulatory agency, we are committed to protecting lives, property, and the environment through dedication, continuous learning, and adoption of global best practices,” said Mr Anyanga, accompanied by Director General James Keter.
Meanwhile, the government says it will not relent in its efforts to rid the country of unscrupulous drug and pharmaceutical importers.
Recent investigations have linked the rise in Kenya’s maternal mortality rates to the widespread circulation of counterfeit drugs, with the CS saying the trend has continued unabated despite the government’s heavy investment in healthcare.
“Why is Kenya’s maternal mortality rate so high? Mothers are dying yet we are investing resources and manpower in healthcare,” the CS said.
As of last year, the country’s maternal mortality ratio stood at around 530 deaths per 100,000 live births in what experts say is an indication of a public health concern.
